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Hi Susan,

Well, strictly speaking the Santa Fe isn't an MPV, it's an SUV (I know; Captain Pedant strikes again...) and that does have a pretty unpleasant effect on its CO₂ rating. A 2008 2.2 CRDi diesel Santa Fe emits 190g/km of CO₂ - enough to land you with a €750 annual bill. That aside it's a very fine car, with reliability, looks and practicality all on its side.

If it's lower CO₂ you're looking for though, you may well have to consider an MPV. The Ford C-Max is only capable of taking three child seats once you get into the current model, and that may still be too pricey for you. Likewise, the Mazda5 needs to be a recent model if it's to have the current 1.6 diesel that brings with it lower tax bills. So, try and track down a 2009 Citroen C4 Picasso with the 1.6 HDi diesel and the EGS automatic gearbox. That has a 140g/km CO₂ emissions figure, so you'll just scrape into the top end of Band B with a €280 tax bill.

How does that sound?

Expert answer

Hi Willy,

The latest Volvo V60 D2, whether maual or automatic, is in Band A3, which costs €190 per annum. The V60 D3 with a manual gearbox is in Band A4 (€200 per year) and with the Geartronic automatic it moves into Band B1, which costs €270 per year.

Hope that helps

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Hi Helen,

While there is no direct replacement for the Grandis, the Mitsubishi Outlander comes as a seven seater, with the choice of manual or automatic gearboxes. It's also got selectable four-wheel drive. From a pricing perspective, the Outlander seven-seat manual is in the same price bracket as the old Grandis.

Here's our recent road test of the Outlander for your information

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Hi Stephen,

Would you consider a Skoda Yeti? It's a similar size to the Juke but much more spacious, with a more sophisticated cabin and brilliant rear seats that can tip, fold and be removed altogether if you need extra load space. The boot on the front-drive diesel models should be plenty big enough to take a scooter or wheelchair too, and the DSG automatic gearbox is available. I presume you're already familiar with the work the Irish Wheelchair Association does with modifying cars for hand control, so that should be a simple enough process for you. A cracking car, the Yeti - brilliant to drive and very practical, and with a new model coming later this year, you should be able to argue yourself a decent deal on a new one.

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Hi Joseph,

A nice car that, with a very smooth chassis, and while the 1.8-litre supercharged petrol engine sounds a bit rough and ready, it's pretty economical. 

Now, this car comes from an era when Mercedes-Benz quality took a distinct dip, and although the C-Class wasn't as badly affected as the E-Class, there are still some issues. Chiefly they're electronic (engine management, faulty keys) and issues with incorrectly specced brake discs being fitted, although a previous owner should have caught that one.

Listen for clonking sounds from the rear suspension too - it's not an especial weak point but can be indicative of problems ahead. 

Finally, don't if you can avoid it, go for the manual. Not only will an automatic have a better resale value down the line, with Merc's awkward foot-operated parking brake, manual C-Classes are just too awkward to drive.

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

OK, there are a couple of issues here. One is that a trawl of the Internet forums, especially in the UK, seems to indicate that there is a common problem on the N47 2.0-litre diesel engine whereby the timing chain can either fail or jump its sprockets. Either way, you're looking at an engine failure and a need for replacement. Not a trivial matter. 

However, BMW has not issued a recall or any specific advice in this area, which may indicate that there has not been a significant level of these incidents. It's easy to accuse a car company of ignoring a major problem but actually that's rarer than you'd think and it's all to easy to get into a froth of indignation from just reading complaints on the internet.

That being the case, we'd simply advise caution. There are some very good independent BMW specialists out there (such as http://www.bloomfieldgarage.ie/) and it might be worth getting in touch with them for more detailed advice.

Also, insist on full service history with these cars, paying particular attention to oil change intervals.

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

We've seen prices as low as less than €3,000, but that sounds like the second hand car buying equivalent of a swim in a piranha tank. At the top end of the scale, some optimistic types seem to be pricing them at around €7,500, but that seems a bit steep. Budget for between €5-6,000 and you should be able to find a good one.

Expert answer

Hi Denis,

Yes, it seems to be a recurring problem on the 320i, but it may not be as serious as you think. If the source of the leak is the crank-case ventilator (CCV) then it can be a bit pricey to get fixed, and it's most definitely not a DIY job, as bits of the engine have to be removed and the whole assembly tilted to allow access.

If though, the leak is coming from the vacuum pump then it's most likely simply a failed o-ring seal on the pump, which can be relatively easily replaced. The obvious signs of a leak are a smell of burning oil in the cabin at tickover and, of course, visible oil leaks within the engine bay. A quick steam-clean of the engine will show up easily where any leaks are coming from.

Of course, if you've not comfortable tackling this sort of thing yourself make sure you bring the car to a professional.

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Hi Patrick,

We have a lot of experience with this car actually. Both Neil and I ran Exeo saloons as long term test cars for a while, and I also had the ST estate for nearly a year.

I definitely preferred the estate in terms of looks and though it had more space in the boot, the Exeo saloon isn't bad at all in that regard. You probably know that it's essentially a previous generation Audi A4, down to the interior switchgear and engines. That's no bad thing of course, as the Audi was a premium model at the time, though it does mean that the Exeo feels dated in places.

Nonetheless, it is solidly built and everything works well. The TDI diesel engines are well-proven and particularly satisfying when specified in conjunction with the CVT automatic gearbox. They're not the most refined engines on the market, but good performers and pretty economical too.

Note that rear legroom isn't all that great, though it was improved in the latest versions.

Overall, if you can get the Exeo for a good price then you're buying a dependable car that is below most people's radar.

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

It depends. Are you talking about the older model of Sharan, the one that was shared with the old Ford Galaxy? If so, then it’s simply down to the fact that, at the time, automatic gearbox technology was not as advanced, and they tended to be more thirsty than an equivalent manual gearbox.

If it’s the newer model you’re talking about (the current-shape one, with sliding side doors) then it could be that the DSG automatic needs servicing. It requires more intensive care and attention than a manual gearbox, and if it’s left alone it can malfunction, which could affect economy.